New Zealand | Musicosity

New Zealand

The Bats

There are at least three artists called The Bats: Approaching a quarter century of recording and performing, Christchurch, New Zealand's The Bats have survived seven albums and five world tours with the original line-up of Kaye Woodward, Malcolm Grant, Paul Kean and Robert Scott intact. With a sound at the jangle/indie end of the pop spectrum, the band made significant headway in the States in the 80s alongside Flying Nun label-mates The Chills and The Clean. The 90s saw tours of the US and Europe, supporting the likes of Radiohead, Belly, and R.

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Strangers

There are at least seven known bands called the Strangers. a) an intense metallic hardcore act from Wellington, New Zealand. their music is released by AMR (http://www.myspace.com/strangersandfuckers) b) space(psych)rock from Orlando, Florida (USA)
www.myspace.com/strangestrangers c) A Brit pop/rock Band from Indonesia, visit http://www.last.fm/music/Strangers+Indonesia or
http://www.myspace.com/sregnarts d) A metalcore/mathcore band located in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada.
http://www.myspace.com/strangerthanmusic

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Shapeshifter

This page lists tracks/releases for (at least) three artists that record as Shapeshifter. Shapeshifter are a New Zealand based five piece band comprising of: Devin Abrams, Paora Apera (aka P Digsss), Redford Grenell, Nick Robinson and Sam Trevethick along with Tiki Taane as their sound engineer. They incorporate Dub, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Metal, Funk and Electronic music to play live Drum 'n' Bass. Albums of theirs listed here are: Real Time, Riddim Wise, Soulstice and The System is a Vampire.

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Kimbra

Kimbra, born and bred in Hamilton, New Zealand has been writing a fusion of jazz and soul for over 5 years, known for her erratic but graceful voice inspired by the likes of Amy Winehouse, Bjork and Jeff Buckley. Kimbra's first success was in 2004, recieving Second place in the Smokefree Rockquest along with Best Vocals and Womens Musicianship (gaining $7000 in total from the competition raising artists like Brooke Fraser, Bic Runga and Anika Moa).

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Jakob

Jakob is a New Zealand post-rock band, based in Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. The band consists of guitarist Jeff Boyle; bassist Maurice Beckett; and drummer Jason Johnston. They have been compared to such bands as Mogwai, Sonic Youth, and HDU, though they largely eschew any vocals or samples in their songs. The band formed in July 1998, and began by opening for New Zealand bands Salmonella Dub and Pitch Black at the local pub O'Flaherty's. They toured extensively throughout 1999, releasing that same year a self-titled EP recorded with David Holmes at Napier's Venn Production Studios.

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The Dead C

The Dead C are a New Zealand based trio made up of members Bruce Russell, Michael Morley and Robbie Yeats. Most often, Russell plays electric guitar, Morley sings and plays electric guitar, or laptop in more recent years, and Yeats plays drums. Formed in Dunedin in 1986, the group is known for its noisy guitar soundscapes and improvisational take on rock music. They became known internationally through their releases on the Philadelphia record label Siltbreeze, especially for the 1992 album Harsh 70s Reality.

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Shihad

Shihad are a four-piece band from New Zealand, comprising Jon Toogood (guitar/vocals), Tom Larkin (drums), Karl Kippenberger (bass) and Phil Knight (guitar). Their style is best described as "hard rock", although they were described as "metal" in their formative years. Shihad were formed in 1988 in Wellington, New Zealand. They were briefly known between 2002-2004 as "Pacifier". During this time the band was attempting to break into the US market and it was decided that Shihad sounded too much like the arabic word 'jihad', thus the name change. Their major albums and EPs include:

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Antagonist A.D.

Antagonist is back with a new album and new name: Antagonist A.D. ElevenfiftySeven is proud to be releasing the new full length album We Are The Dead on the 6th of October in both New Zealand and Australia via Melbourne label Trial & Error. Antagonist A.D formed in late 2004 but after trading members & gaining direction a new redux saw the light in 2005. 2005 was a dark year for New Zealand hardcore with prominent bands breaking up, crucial venues being lost & key promoters bowing out. Antagonist A.

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Tahuna Breaks

Tahuna Breaks are an uplifting reggae / funk / soul band based in Auckland. They formed following inspiring jams that stretched from a garage in Onehunga to the remoteness of Piha on Auckland’s west coast. With influences varying from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, James Brown, UB40 and New Zealand’s very own dub and reggae movement, Tahuna Breaks are a fine tune roots blend of funk and reggae with that distinctive New Zealand summery sound.

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